How do I compress twenty-five years of friendship into a few hundred words on the very day my best man is laid to rest? Perhaps the honest answer is that you don’t. You simply try. Because some relationships are not measured by time, but by shared seasons, shared faith, shared pain, and quiet victories, no headline ever captured.
Clifford Ayah Arason and I met as young boys in Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM) Okota, full of fire, conviction, and that innocent rivalry only young people understand. We competed in dance, drama, leadership, and service in God’s house. Over time, competition softened into respect. Respect matured into friendship. And friendship, forged in service, became brotherhood.
When I moved on to the adult church, Clifford stepped into leadership in my stead as Captain of the Children’s Church. He didn’t merely occupy the role, he grew into it, leading with creativity, calm confidence, and humility. He didn’t seek attention; leadership simply followed him.
Life kept intertwining our paths. When his family moved closer to mine around the Jakande–Ejigbo axis, our bond deepened. We became almost inseparable, talking, laughing, praying, dreaming. We coined names for ourselves and everyone else, living fully in those moments. Music and drama became our language of expression through Joint Royal Priesthood (JRP). Faith met creativity on the same stage, and we believed earnestly that God was doing something with our lives.
Then came the turning point. Clifford lost one of his brothers, and grief weighed heavily on him. In that fragile moment, he came to me. We talked, we cried, and we sat with the pain until strength slowly returned. As he was leaving, I told him something simple but sincere that although he had lost a brother, he had gained another in me. From that day, I became his big brother, not by obligation, but by covenant.
Clifford’s journey was not without delays. Repeated attempts at gaining university admission tested his resolve. Having walked that path myself, I encouraged him not to give up and to consider the University of Lagos. When he finally gained admission to study Philosophy, it felt like a shared triumph. Clifford was never defined by titles alone. Leadership followed him naturally and he carried responsibility with quiet strength. And yes, he stood beside me as my best man!
Life eventually led us to different places, but the bond endured. From Lagos to Abakaliki, Clifford remained consistent, faithful, disciplined, and deeply committed to God’s call on his life. He became a husband (to Ejiro), a father, and a minister without losing the essence of who he had always been. Clifford did not live loudly; he lived convincingly. He showed up, stayed faithful, and gave his best wherever he was planted.
Today, my best man goes to rest. And while his journey here has ended, his story continues, in the lives he touched, the people he mentored, and the faith he lived out daily. For me, the privilege of calling him my brother will never end.
Adieu Clindodo.
Ward Rounds
Wike & Rivers Politics
Nyesom Wike’s recent outbursts and the drama surrounding Governor Sim Fubara’s impeachment proceedings reveal a persistent and dangerous pattern in Nigeria’s politics: the god syndrome. The very transience of power should drive leaders to prioritize enduring institutions over personal dominance. When politicians behave as though governance must still revolve around them, democracy suffers. Rivers State deserves stability, not perpetual political theatre.
Osimhen & Lookman
Victor Osimhen’s passion is undeniable and appreciated; however, what cannot be denied is that leadership, especially at the highest level, requires emotional intelligence. Public outbursts, such as Osimhen’s, against teammates do more harm than good. Passion must be balanced with respect. And right now, what the Super Eagles need is unity, not internal fractures driven by unchecked anger.
Venezuela & Trump
President Donald Trump attacking Venezuela and arresting its president is one of those geopolitical moments that remind us how power operates globally. Strong nations act and weaker ones absorb the shock. It’s dramatic, yes, but also a lesson for countries like Nigeria: global respect is built on strong institutions, not rhetoric.
Datti, Labour Party & 2027
Datti Baba-Ahmed declaring for President under the Labour Party after Peter Obi’s exit signals the beginning of more political drama. That he didn’t decamp with Obi but chose to run is surprising and interesting. The race to 2027 has started and I’m loving it. May the best man, or woman, win!
Super Eagles Allowances (Again?)
Yes, players should represent the country with pride. But those managing Nigerian football must pay players’ dues promptly and stop recycling embarrassment. Patriotism should not be sustained on suffering and understanding. Respect the players, honour commitments, and let football breathe.
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